Q&A: Choice and Foreknowledge
Choice and Foreknowledge
Question
Good week, Rabbi Michael,
A familiar and well-known question that I’m directing to you בעקבות an argument with a coworker who is not religious:
In my view, there has never been any contradiction between the free choice a person has and the fact that the Creator knows what his choice will be. However, I understand that for many people this is perceived as a contradiction. I would appreciate it if you could refer me to an article that addresses this issue.
Thank you, and all the best.
Answer
There is an article by Yehudit Ronen, in a collection on religion and morality edited by Avi Sagi and Danny Statman. She shows that logically there is no contradiction.
I think there is a contradiction. You can search on my site for a discussion of Newcomb’s paradox.